Beginnings
In the early years of Howell County most births took place at home. Some were never legally registered, simply recorded in family bibles. It wasn't until death took place that a date of birth was officially recorded. To that end, we offer the following resources to help you on your search.
- The State Historical Society of Missouri
- Newspaper Search: Birth death, marriage, etc.
- The State of Missouri
- Missouri Death Certificates, 1910-1958
Land patents document the transfer of land ownership from the federal government to individuals. Land was disposed of by the authority of many acts of Congress - sale, homesteads, military warrants for military service, timber culture, mining, etc. One of the primary purposes of these public land laws was to encourage people from the East to move West. In the early 1800's people could buy public land for $1.25 an acre. For a time, they could buy up to 640 acres under this law. The sale of public land under the "Cash Act" is no longer in effect.
Several Military Warrant Acts granted public land to soldiers instead of pay. These acts have been repealed. The Homestead Act of 1862, allowed people to settle up to 160 acres of public land if they lived on it for five years and grew crops or made improvements. This land did not cost anything per acre, but the settler did pay a filing fee. This act is no longer in effect.
Bureau of Land Management- Federal Land Records Site
- Missouri State Archives
- Land Patents: 1831-1969
We have available a few copies of certificates that are pertinent to Howell County. To view, click on the list item. A new window will open.
They are: